Celtic FC and FC Kairat Almaty played out a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff at Celtic Park on August 21, 2025. The Scottish champions dominated possession but were frustrated by a well-organized and disciplined Kairat defense, failing to find a crucial home goal. The Kazakh visitors will be delighted with the match result, having kept a clean sheet in one of European football's most intimidating atmospheres. The tie remains wide open, but the pressure now shifts squarely onto Celtic to break down Kairat in the return leg in Almaty.